IJEP

Studying the impact of the Green Deal on the EU economy using Gradient Boosting Algorithm

2025-07-14T21:06:48+01:00

This study aims to assess the impact of the European Green Deal on the EU economy by employing a Gradient Boosting Algorithm to analyze the influence of various environmental policies. The study utilizes simulated monthly data derived from annual statistics provided by official sources such as the IEA, Eurostat, ILO, and the European Commission. A machine learning model—Gradient Boosting—is implemented to examine the predictive relationships between economic indicators such as environmental taxes, green infrastructure investment, renewable energy, and green employment on industrial output. Results indicate that environmental taxes are the most influential factor affecting industrial performance, followed by green infrastructure and renewable energy investment. Green innovation funding and green employment show lesser impact. The Gradient Boosting model demonstrates strong predictive accuracy with an R² score of 0.930. Policymakers should consider balancing fiscal regulations with incentive-based green investment strategies. Greater support for green innovation and employment training is essential to enhance long-term sustainability.

Corporate Carbon Transparency in the EU: The Transformative Role of IFRS Sustainability Standards in Auditing and Reporting (2025)

2025-07-14T21:23:40+01:00

This study investigates the transformative impact of IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (S1/S2) on corporate carbon transparency within the European Union's evolving regulatory framework. Against the backdrop of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), we analyze the effectiveness of these standards in addressing critical gaps in carbon disclosure assurance, particularly for Scope 3 emissions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we combine quantitative analysis of 50 EU firms' sustainability reports (2024-2025) with qualitative insights from 22 key stakeholders, including auditors, policymakers, and corporate leaders. Our findings reveal significant sectoral disparities in compliance, with only 28% of firms achieving full Scope 3 reporting and high-emission sectors underreporting by 25% (p < 0.1). The research demonstrates the crucial role of audit quality, as Big 4-audited reports showed 38% higher reliability (p < 0.01), despite 35% of auditors lacking adequate IFRS S2 expertise. Notably, our analysis shows CSRD's policy bundling approach (combining reporting mandates with assurance requirements) proved 2.6 times more effective than standalone carbon pricing measures (β = 0.47 vs. 0.18). These results underscore the need for sector-specific materiality thresholds, enhanced auditor training, and greater global harmonization of sustainability standards to support the EU's transition to net-zero emissions by 2050. The study contributes to ongoing debates about environmental accountability while offering practical insights for policymakers, corporations, and standard-setters navigating the complexities of carbon transparency.

Exploring the Nexus Between Organizational Culture and Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from Scopus Database Analysis

2025-07-14T21:36:28+01:00

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the intellectual structure and research evolution at the intersection of organizational culture and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Utilizing the Scopus database and advanced bibliometric tools, the study analyzes publication trends, key research clusters, author collaboration networks, and thematic evolution in this interdisciplinary domain. The findings reveal significant growth in scholarly interest, with distinct research clusters emerging around sustainability-oriented organizational culture models, employee engagement through CSR, and cultural mediators in CSR implementation. The United States and United Kingdom dominate the research landscape, while institutions like Swinburne University of Technology, Universidade de São Paulo, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University lead in research productivity. Journal articles comprise the majority of publications, spanning diverse disciplines including management, ethics, sustainability, and public health. The authorship analysis highlights the need for careful interpretation due to potential data indexing limitations. The temporal analysis reveals exponential growth, culminating in a peak in 2020, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This bibliometric mapping establishes a comprehensive knowledge base, identifies research gaps, and provides insights for future interdisciplinary investigation in this critical organizational domain. The findings contribute to both organizational behavior and corporate sustainability literature, offering evidence-based insights for management practice and CSR effectiveness in diverse cultural contexts.

Africa’s Economic Downturn and Household Well-being: A systematic review

2025-07-15T05:27:41+01:00

Economic disruptions by COVID-19 pandemic and trade tariffs retaliations cause adverse effects like high inflation. This paper explores Africa’s economic downturn and household well-being using a systematic literature review as a research methodology. findings indicate a decline in output and food insecurity as some of the negative economic downturn effects on household well-being while positive effects are smaller family sizes experience less food insecurities, and cultural expenditure inequalities. This paper explores Africa’s economic downturn and household well-being using the Systematic Literature Review , the selected database for the SLR are African Journals Online (AJOL), Google Scholar and Scopus. A total of 34 journal articles were found relevant to address the main objective of this paper.there are both negative and positive economic downturn effects on household well-being in Africa. Decline in output and food insecurity are some of the negative economic downturns effect on household well-being while the positive economic downturn effects are smaller family sizes experience less food insecurities, and decline in cultural expenditure inequalities, Limits on systematic literature review and therefore, future studies can explore mixed methods approach, The government and non-government interventions to focus on improving the well-being of households, This study contributes knowledge to the existing literature on the subject, ultimately informing policy interventions and enhancing the understanding of the socio-economic dynamics during periods of economic instability.

The Effect of Quality Management System on Sustainability of Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development in the Northern State of Sudan: The Mediating Role of Consulting Engineering Works and Engineering Professional Ethics

2025-07-15T09:39:55+01:00

This study investigates the mediating role of Consulting Engineering Works (CEW) and Engineering Professional Ethics (EPE) in the relationship between Quality Management System (QMS) adoption and the sustainability of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development (MIUD) in the Northern State of Sudan. The research, motivated by observed weaknesses in the Ministry’s performance indicators—affecting economic, environmental, and social sustainability—aims to assess the significance and impact of QMS, CEW, and EPE on Ministry’s Sustainability (MS). Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected via questionnaires from 223 ministry employees, analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and structural equation modeling (SEM) through SPSS and AMOS.
Key findings reveal that QMS has a high importance level, while CEW, EPE, and MS are of moderate importance. Path analysis demonstrated a statistically significant direct impact of QMS on MS (standardized effect = 0.584), as well as a full mediating effect of CEW and EPE together between QMS and MS, with a standardized indirect effect of 0.743 and total effect of 0.641. The results confirm that QMS implementation enhances CEW and EPE, which in turn drive the Ministry’s sustainability. The study highlights the necessity for integrating strong quality management, ethical standards, and professional engineering practices to achieve sustainable development in public infrastructure institutions.

Measuring and Analyzing the Relationship between the Tariff Barrier and the Foreign Exchange Reserves of the Central Bank of Iraq (2004-2024)

2025-07-15T09:55:54+01:00

This research investigates the relationship between the tariff barrier and the foreign exchange reserves of the Central Bank of Iraq over the period 2004–2024. The primary objective is to analyze how changes in Iraq’s tariff policies—specifically the imposition and collection of customs duties—impact the accumulation and management of foreign exchange reserves. The study is motivated by the hypothesis that the weakness of Iraq’s tariff barrier adversely affects the status of central bank reserves, especially given the country’s heavy reliance on oil exports and the prevalence of customs evasion through informal border crossings.The methodology employs an econometric approach, utilizing the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model to assess both short- and long-run relationships between the tariff barrier and foreign exchange reserves. Unit root and cointegration tests confirm the suitability of the NARDL model, which is shown to explain approximately 77.3% of the variation in reserves, with the remainder attributed to factors such as customs evasion and external economic shocks.

Key findings indicate that while a higher tariff barrier can increase government revenues and support foreign exchange reserves, its effectiveness is limited by the dominance of oil prices and persistent smuggling. The tariff barrier ratio remains weak relative to import volumes, and despite occasional increases in customs revenues (notably during crises), the main driver of reserve fluctuations is oil revenue. The econometric results confirm a positive long-run relationship between the tariff barrier and foreign exchange reserves, but also highlight the need for improved customs administration, reduced evasion, and economic diversification.

Human Development and Economic Freedom: Empirical Evidence from the Great Lakes Region

2025-07-15T10:43:10+01:00

This study examines the impact of economic freedom on human development within the Great Lakes region. This region comprises the states of Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda. The data obtained from the World Bank's Prosperity Data 360 and the HDI from the United Nations Development Programme were employed for this research using fixed-effect panel data models and System GMM Two-Step models to determine the linkage between economic freedom and human development. The results depict a general positive relationship between economic freedom and human development across the region. Specifically, it is seen that economic freedom significantly correlates with human development, ranging from 1.12 in Uganda to 1.85 in Rwanda. HDI in all countries is positively related to human development with a coefficient of 0.13, while life expectancy contributes positively to human development in Burundi, DRC, and Uganda. Expected years of schooling and mean years of schooling are some of the educational indicators that also illustrate positive relationships with human development. Highly correlated to human development, Gross National Income per capita was 0.42 across all countries. The Democracy Index also shows a positive influence on human development, mainly in Burundi. From the System GMM model, it is confirmed that HDI, life expectancy, and GNI per capita significantly explain economic freedom. The findings show that though economic freedom and increase in income are important for development, governance, education, and healthcare reforms are fundamental for ensuring that growth in the region is inclusive and sustainable.

Effects of decentralisation on local public spending in Cameroon

2025-07-15T16:25:06+01:00

This study investigates the effects of fiscal decentralisation on local public spending in Cameroon, using a panel dataset of 213 municipalities over the period 2010–2020. The research aims to assess how the transfer of fiscal and administrative responsibilities from the central government to local authorities influences both operational and investment expenditures at the municipal level. Methodologically, the analysis employs ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects, and system GMM estimators to address endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity, with local public spending (including both operating and investment outlays) as the dependent variable and fiscal decentralisation—measured as the share of municipal expenditures in total expenditures—as the key independent variable. Control variables include local revenues, urbanisation, central government subsidies, conflict incidence, and mayoral tenure.

Key findings indicate that fiscal decentralisation has a positive and statistically significant impact on both operational and investment spending, with a more pronounced effect on investment expenditures. The results underscore the importance of increasing central government transfers to municipalities to enhance local public investment. However, the study also highlights the negative impact of urbanisation and conflict on local public spending. The findings are robust across various model specifications and support the theoretical arguments of improved allocative efficiency and inter-jurisdictional competition under decentralised governance.

The research suggests that further decentralisation, coupled with increased fiscal transfers and capacity-building for local governments, can improve the targeting and efficiency of public service delivery in Cameroon. Policymakers should consider these results when designing reforms to strengthen local governance and public finance management.

Women and entrepreneurship in Mali: towards an understanding of motivations and obstacles in the informal sector

2025-07-15T17:20:28+01:00

This research paper explores the motivations and obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs in Mali’s informal sector. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen women entrepreneurs operating in commercial and service activities within two neighborhoods of the Kati region. Thematic analysis, facilitated by NVIVO 21, revealed that women predominantly engage in subsistence entrepreneurship driven by necessity, aiming to support themselves and their families amidst limited employment alternatives and low educational attainment. Key obstacles identified include significant challenges in accessing finance, difficulties in securing clientele, high tax burdens, and the struggle to balance business with domestic responsibilities. Most participants relied on personal savings, informal savings groups (tontines), and family support rather than formal banking services, reflecting both a fear of indebtedness and limited trust in financial institutions. The lack of entrepreneurial support and business training further constrains business growth and sustainability. The findings underscore the importance of targeted policy interventions, improved access to formal financing, and enhanced support services to empower female entrepreneurs and promote the formalization and resilience of their enterprises.

Navigating the Shift: De-Dollarization, BRICS Strategies, and the Evolving Global Financial Architecture

2025-07-15T17:51:08+01:00

The global financial system, historically dominated by the US dollar since the 1944 Bretton Woods Agreement, is undergoing a significant transformation as BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) pursue de-dollarization to reduce reliance on the dollar in trade, reserves, and financial systems. Driven by economic vulnerabilities, geopolitical tensions (e.g., sanctions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict), and technological innovations (e.g., cryptocurrencies and blockchain), these efforts aim to mitigate exposure to US monetary policy and dollar weaponization. BRICS strategies include promoting alternative currencies (e.g., China’s Renminbi), establishing parallel financial institutions (e.g., New Development Bank), and leveraging digital payment systems. However, challenges persist, such as the dollar’s entrenched dominance, internal BRICS divergences, and technical barriers. The shift suggests a gradual move toward a multipolar monetary system rather than an abrupt dollar collapse, with implications for global economic governance, financial stability, and geopolitical power dynamics. Case studies of China, Russia, and Pakistan highlight diverse approaches, from bilateral trade agreements to sectoral energy transitions. This research underscores de-dollarization as a complex, multidimensional process integrating economic, political, and technological factors, signaling an evolving but not yet displaced dollar-centric order.

Charting the Scientometric Evolution: Emerging Trends in Artificial Intelligence and Marketing Research

2025-07-15T19:31:02+01:00

This study presents a scientometric analysis of the evolving integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marketing research, addressing a gap in quantitative assessments of this rapidly advancing field. Drawing on data from Scopus (1984–Q1 2024) and utilizing advanced bibliometric techniques in R Studio, the research maps publication trends, author influence, institutional and geographic distributions, and thematic developments. The analysis covers 565 English-language, peer-reviewed articles, revealing a marked acceleration in publication volume since 2015, with a peak of 136 articles in 2023. The United States leads in research output and international collaboration, followed by the United Kingdom, China, and India. The Journal of Business Research emerges as the predominant outlet, while key contributors such as
DWIVEDI YK, KIETZMANN J, and KAR AK shape the field’s discourse. Dominant themes include “artificial intelligence,” “machine learning,” “decision-making,” and “marketing strategies.” Network analyses highlight AI’s central role in connecting diverse marketing subfields and fostering interdisciplinary inquiry. The findings underscore AI’s transition from a peripheral topic to a core driver of marketing scholarship, with significant implications for future research directions and strategic practice. This study provides a comprehensive mapping of the field’s scientometric evolution, identifying leading voices, institutions, and emerging trends.

Exploring the role of social enterprises in improving local development in the Philippines : DOCHSEi’s case

2025-07-16T04:47:59+01:00

This research investigates the role of social enterprises in fostering local development in the Philippines, with a particular focus on the Davao Oriental Coco Husk Social Enterprise, Inc. (DOCHSEi). The study aims to elucidate how social enterprises, especially those in which the poor are principal stakeholders (SEPPS), contribute to economic, social, and environmental development at the local level. Employing a case study methodology combined with qualitative analysis of secondary data, the paper examines DOCHSEi’s initiatives in transforming coconut husk waste into value-added, eco-friendly products, thereby creating employment opportunities for marginalized groups and promoting sustainable community development.
Key findings reveal that DOCHSEi significantly contributes to local development by generating jobs, reducing poverty, empowering women and youth, and mitigating environmental degradation through innovative waste management. The enterprise’s activities have enhanced social inclusion, increased household incomes, and provided a model for sustainable, community-led economic growth. However, the research also identifies critical challenges, including limited access to financing, regulatory hurdles, and the need for greater ecosystem support.
The study concludes that social enterprises like DOCHSEi are vital catalysts for inclusive growth and poverty alleviation in the Philippines. It underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, policy support, and sustainable business models in scaling the impact of social enterprises. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and social entrepreneurs seeking to leverage social innovation for local development.

AI Marketing and Its Role in Enhancing E-Commerce within Economic Enterprises: An Analytical Study of Tesla’s Experience (2012–2024)

2025-07-16T05:21:27+01:00

This study investigates the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming marketing strategies and enhancing e-commerce performance within economic enterprises, using Tesla’s experience from 2012 to 2024 as a case study. The primary objective is to examine how AI-powered marketing influences the traditional marketing mix (product, price, place, and promotion) and drives e-commerce growth. The research employs a dual methodological approach: a descriptive method to clarify core concepts and an analytical method to interpret the interplay between AI integration and marketing effectiveness. Key findings reveal that Tesla’s proprietary AI systems have enabled highly interactive, cost-effective digital marketing, significantly boosting online sales and customer engagement. Specifically, AI-driven product customization, dynamic pricing, direct distribution, and digital promotion—notably through CEO Elon Musk’s social media influence—have established Tesla as a leader in automotive e-commerce, with over 70% of vehicle sales conducted online. Despite external disruptions in 2024, Tesla’s AI-centric approach has ensured resilience and sustained growth. The implications suggest that AI-powered marketing is a dominant strategic direction for modern enterprises, offering cost efficiency, enhanced customer insights, and global market competitiveness. The study recommends widespread adoption of AI marketing across industries and emphasizes the need for organization-wide AI literacy.

Industrial Clusters and Their Role in Enhancing the Strategy of Developing Small and Medium Enterprises to Encourage Exports: A Study of the Italian and German Experience During 2024

2025-07-16T05:43:19+01:00

This research examines the pivotal role of industrial clusters in enhancing the export strategies of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the Italian and German contexts in 2024. The study addresses a critical gap in understanding how industrial clusters specifically influence the strategic development and international competitiveness of SMEs, focusing on the mechanisms through which clustering facilitates innovation, resource sharing, and collaborative networks. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews and case studies with quantitative analysis of export statistics and performance metrics. Key findings reveal that participation in industrial clusters significantly boosts SMEs’ export activities—with 75% of cluster-engaged SMEs reporting increased export volumes—through improved access to specialized knowledge, supply chain efficiencies, and collective marketing efforts. Both Italian and German clusters demonstrate pronounced benefits, though with distinct operational emphases: Italian clusters leverage traditional craftsmanship and niche markets, while German clusters prioritize high-tech advancements and operational efficiency. The study underscores the importance of tailored policy frameworks and government support in fostering cluster development, highlighting the need for continued investment in training, digital transformation, and institutional partnerships. The results provide actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders to strengthen SME export capabilities and regional economic resilience in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

The dynamic impact of ICT on the economic growth in the developing countries

2025-07-16T15:30:23+01:00

This paper explores the impact of the information communication and technology (ICT) on the economic growth in the developing countries, the study collect a data for 33 years (1990-2022) and a panel of eighteen developing countries , the purpose is to evaluate how the using of the ICT’s impact the economic growth in the short and long term. Employing a panel series and an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) co-integration approach. Our research incorporates some key economic indicators such as GDP growth, individual using of the internet (INT), mobile cellular subscriptions (MCS), and gross fixed capital formation (GFCF). Our empirical results indicate a co-integration link between the variables based on Westerlund test. The results of (PMG-ARDL) reveal that (INT) negatively affect the GDP growth in both the short and long run, those results elucidate that a 1% increase in (INT) results in a -1.02% and -0.03% growth in growth economic. However, the same output showed that the MCS positively effect the economic growth, in the long term, a 1% increase in the MCS results in a 0.001% growth in the GDP growth, and a 0.04% in the short run. The robustness check using (CS-ARDL) showed that the ICT is negatively affect the economic growth in both short and long run. The causality test indicate that both of MCS and INT cause the economic growth.

Digital Transformation and its Impact on the Performance of Banks in Algeria during the Period (2013-2023)

2025-07-16T17:36:08+01:00

This research paper investigates the impact of digital transformation (DT) on the performance of Algerian banks from 2013 to 2023. It aims to highlight DT's role in improving bank performance by potentially increasing profitability and liquidity, reducing costs, and expanding customer reach and examines Algeria's strategic push, notably through the Monetary and Banking Law n°23-09, which institutionalizes digital banking and a central bank digital currency. Methodologically, the study employs a descriptive analysis of DT concepts and banking performance, coupled with an analytical approach to secondary data from official national and international reports, covering financial and non-financial indicators. Key findings reveal significant regulatory advancements and infrastructural development. Important results include the Real Time Gross Settlement System (ARTS) processing 449,686 transactions valued at 112,535.82 Algerian Dinar (DZD) and the Automated Transfer and Compensation System for Interbank Transactions (ATCI) handling 74.77 million transactions valued at 22,958.5 billion DZD in 2023. Despite progress in electronic payments and card services, the adoption of digital banking in Algeria faces challenges, including infrastructural limitations and low public trust. The study implies that while foundational digital elements are being established, sustained investment in infrastructure, digital literacy, and trust building is crucial for Algerian banks to fully realize the performance benefits of DT and enhance competitiveness.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Combating Financial Crimes and Money Laundering in International Trade A Data-Driven Analysis (2010–2024)

2025-07-16T17:50:54+01:00

This research paper evaluates the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in combating financial crimes and money laundering within international trade from 2010 to 2024. The primary objectives are to assess the development and effectiveness of AI-driven algorithms in detecting illicit transactions, analyze the role of machine learning in real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, and investigate regulatory and ethical challenges that constrain AI’s full potential in financial crime prevention. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates qualitative insights from case studies of major financial institutions and multinational corporations with quantitative analyses of AI adoption metrics, detection rates, and financial crime trends, drawing on data sourced from leading regulatory bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund.

Key findings indicate that AI, particularly through machine learning and predictive analytics, has significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks, reducing false positives and improving real-time detection of suspicious activities. Notable improvements include a 20% reduction in false positives at HSBC, a 25% increase in illicit activity detection at JPMorgan Chase, and substantial fraud loss reduction at PayPal. However, persistent challenges such as regulatory fragmentation, data privacy concerns, ethical dilemmas, and the adaptive tactics of financial criminals continue to hinder optimal AI deployment.

The study underscores the need for strengthened regulatory harmonization, robust data governance, and continuous innovation in AI-driven compliance solutions. It recommends fostering cross-border collaboration and updating AI systems to counter evolving financial crime methodologies.

Challenge of Adapting Marketing Concepts and Tools to The Territory

2025-07-16T18:06:19+01:00

This research paper investigates the necessity and process of adapting traditional marketing concepts and tools to the unique context of territories, aiming to enhance their attractiveness for targeted groups at both national and international levels. The study posits that the distinctive characteristics of territories require specific adaptations of marketing strategies to achieve effective positioning and competitiveness. Through a theoretical analysis of territorial marketing principles—including brand adaptation and investor relationship management—the research explores how coordinated collaboration among territorial actors strengthens a territory’s competitive edge. Key findings highlight the importance of tailored territorial offers, cohesive stakeholder engagement, and the strategic use of both tangible and intangible assets. The paper contributes an actionable framework for building strong territorial identities and underscores the significance of continuous relationship management with investors for sustainable development. The results affirm that successful territorial marketing not only boosts economic performance but also cultivates community belonging and long-term investor loyalty.

Typologies of Trade Openness in Africa: A Principal Component and Cluster-Based Analysis

2025-07-16T19:17:38+01:00

This study investigates the determinants and typologies of trade openness across 40 African economies, addressing persistent gaps in integration despite decades of neoliberal reforms. By employing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering, the research analyzes how institutional quality, human capital, regional trade agreements, and tariff policies collectively shape trade openness and economic growth trajectories. The analysis reveals three distinct country clusters: liberal diversified economies (e.g., Mauritius, South Africa), transitional reforming states (e.g., Ghana, Kenya), and protectionist, commodity-dependent nations (e.g., Nigeria, Angola). Key findings highlight a positive association between trade openness and robust institutions, human capital, and participation in trade agreements, while high tariffs significantly hinder openness. The results underscore the necessity of complementary institutional and policy frameworks for effective trade liberalization. Strategic policy recommendations include investment in value-added sectors, strengthening regulatory institutions, phased tariff liberalization, and enhanced regional integration. The study advances the understanding of Africa’s heterogeneous trade landscape and informs targeted development policies.

Threats and Vulnerabilities of the Banking System to Money Laundering in the Arab Maghreb: Lessons from a Regional Sectoral Assessment

2025-07-16T19:34:09+01:00

This research paper conducts a sectoral assessment of the threats and vulnerabilities faced by the banking systems of the Arab Maghreb—specifically Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, and Mauritania—regarding money laundering and terrorist financing. The main objective is to identify and compare structural and operational weaknesses across the region’s banking sectors, with a focus on internal controls, regulatory compliance, and the effectiveness of supervisory frameworks. The study hypothesizes that institutional fragmentation, inconsistent supervision, and insufficient risk management contribute significantly to these vulnerabilities. Methodologically, the research employs a qualitative comparative approach, drawing on national sectoral risk assessments, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, and a review of regulatory and institutional frameworks, structured around the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) methodology. Key findings reveal a moderately high level of vulnerability within the Maghreb banking sector, driven by deficiencies in beneficial ownership identification, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, limited technological and analytical capacity, and insufficient staff training. High-risk areas include large-scale cash transactions, politically exposed persons, real estate, and the use of digital and crypto-asset channels. The study also highlights the impact of the informal economy, transnational organized crime, and weak trade oversight as external risk factors. Notably, the risk-based approach (RBA) has yet to be fully institutionalized, and supervision remains largely compliance-based rather than risk-sensitive.The implications of these findings underscore the urgency of strengthening internal controls, adopting advanced technological solutions, enhancing staff training, and modernizing regulatory frameworks in line with international standards. Recommendations emphasize the need for improved inter-authority coordination, adoption of risk-based supervision, and greater regional and international cooperation to mitigate evolving money laundering and terrorist financing threats. The research concludes that aligning Maghreb banking systems with global best practices is essential for enhancing financial integrity and resilience.

Digital Intelligence and Agile Governance: How ICT Catalyzes Competitiveness -case of study: Siemens and Alstom-

2025-07-16T20:16:11+01:00

This research investigates how information and communication technologies (ICT) catalyze organizational competitiveness through the synergy of digital intelligence and agile governance. Focusing on two leading European industrial groups—Siemens and Alstom—the study employs a comparative qualitative methodology based on multiple case studies, analyzing six key dimensions: digital strategic alignment, technological infrastructure, digital governance, agile culture, customer-centered innovation, and cross-functional integration. Data were collected via triangulation of annual reports, academic and professional publications, and executive interviews and analyzed between October 2023 and February 2024. Key findings reveal that Siemens adopts a systemic and agile approach to ICT integration, embedding digital tools across its value chain and fostering superior innovative performance and organizational resilience. In contrast, Alstom’s digital transformation remains more fragmented, with localized ICT initiatives and limited cross-functional integration, which constrains its transformative potential. The research demonstrates that strategic ICT integration, combined with agile governance and a culture of continuous learning, is essential for sustaining competitive advantage in a volatile digital environment.

Important results highlight Siemens’ higher digital maturity (aggregate score 4.5/5 vs. Alstom’s 2.9/5), driven by cross-functional project management and robust technological infrastructure. Empirical evidence supports a strong correlation between digital maturity and innovation performance, including shorter time-to-market and higher product success rates. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to digital transformation, where technological, governance, and cultural dimensions are aligned.